§ 24. Captain DOWERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that agricultural colleges in several counties are not able to grant diplomas; and will he take steps to extend the advantageous terms given by colleges of other counties that grant 1415 diplomas to students of their own counties to the students of counties that have no such facilities and desire to qualify for them?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Ramsbotham)It is presumed that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to farm institutes which, as a rule, do not grant diplomas. The reason is, I understand, that in most cases the courses rarely extend over more than one year, and my right hon. Friend would deprecate the award of diplomas in respect of short courses in agriculture. There is no objection to the award of certificates in respect of such courses, and these are very generally given. The matter is, however, one for the decision of the local authorities responsible for farm institutes. The local authorities also decide upon the fees and other conditions of entrance to the institutes.